Flame retardants are used in numerous everyday products such as cell phones, carpets and insulating sheets to prevent them from being burnt or at least to slow down a fire in an emergency. As more and more plastics and other flammable materials are used, flame retardants are gaining increasing importance. The new market study by Ceresana Research forecasts that global flame retardant revenues will rise to approximately $5.8 billion by 2018. Demand is above all growing in the Asia Pacific region, with China registering the greatest increase of seven percent per year.

"The development of the flame retardant industry is greatly influenced by legal situations and industrial standards," said Oliver Kutsch, CEO of Ceresana. "Almost all countries are increasingly tightening fire safety regulations. In addition, which flame retardant is used depends on state regulations on the protection of the environment and health, above all in Western Europe and North America."

As environmental restrictions mainly impact halogenated flame retardants, less controversial alternatives are being developed. The demand for organophosphates and different inorganic flame retardants is rising by 3.5 percent to 4.3 percent per year, which is significantly faster than for brominated or chlorinated flame retardants.

Fire resistant agents are tailored to specific applications and developed in close cooperation with manufacturers, processors and users of end-products. Product innovations focus on more environmentally friendly products and new materials. Examples include nanotechnology, micro-encapsulation and intumescent systems, which expand by heat and create a protective layer. However, the most widely used flame retardant is aluminum hydroxide (ATH), which is anticipated to continue to dominate the market in 2018.

The market report of Ceresana Research provides detailed descriptions and analyses of the flame retardant market. Demand divided by product types as well as revenues and prices. The study also offers market data related to the individual application areas. The most important sales markets are construction materials—especially made from PVC—insulating materials, rubbers, adhesives, and paints and varnishes. The electrical and electronics and transport industry are also studied individually with reference to the world regions. The introduction summarizes the different types of flame retardants and informs about regulations and health issues. Volume II provides a list of manufacturers with 246 company profiles. The study, available in English or German, forecasts market opportunities and risks up to 2018. For more information visit www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/additives/flame-retardants-new.